Bratwursts and Mulled Wine.

Guten Tag! And how are we today? I took these pictures yesterday before and during our little trip out to Manchester’s Christmas Markets. We were lucky to get them snapped when we did, let me tell you. Why, you ask? Well, in true Manchester style we got caught in a downpour that made me pretty certain the world was flooding. And the way to fix our dampened spirits? A warm cup of mulled wine of course, with the world’s creepiest Santa watching over us. When we got too cold and merry, we retreated to a rocker bar and drank beer and played pool.*

Today I took a LOT of stuff to my local charity shop. I have a so much stuff that cannot come on our next little jaunt around the world, and I’m a bit heartbroken. I shall be having a huge flash sale very soon, and would like to invite you to do your share of vintage shopping there. Are you excited? I thought so. Lots of love on this gloomy Wednesday.

*Don’t judge me for this; I always think you bloggers are so proper and don’t act naughty like I do. Or maybe you just don’t broadcast it? I like me a nice pint or glass of wine though. Sorry.

Boots: Barratts, Leggings and Dress: H&M, Cardigan: ASDA.

Scowl-A-Lot.

I don’t mean to scowl in my pictures. In fact, you might not believe me, but I’m even trying to smile on a few of them… it just doesn’t quite translate onto film. Tyra Banks would tell me I need to smile with my eyes. Tyra, I really am trying. Just give me another chance.

My Dad has swept up the leaves almost everyday recently, but we have a huge tree over our garage and until that tree is bare, they’re going to keep falling. My Mum has taken him to Oxford to reminisce over his University years, and while we are house and cat-sitting, this is how I will clean up the leaves. With my bare hands. Because THAT is how I roll.

How has everyone’s weekend been? For you lovely Americans, how was your Thanksgiving?

Hat: Topshop, Jumper: Korean boutique, Skirt: H&M, Leggings: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Bronx.

Oh Birdie.

Oh no. I just went and disappeared again. Whoopsie.

I find it hard to blog when I’m not at home. Does anyone else find that? I went down South for a fabulous surprise party for my boyfriend’s parents. It was their 30th Wedding Anniversary, impressive, huh? We should all learn something from them. Not least their ability to keep their cool when a bunch of people they haven’t seen for a while shout SURPRISE. Their very own son did exactly the same thing for me for my last birthday in Korea. SCARIEST. MOMENT. OF. MY. LIFE. TO. DATE. They took it much more gracefully than me. The party was in Dover, and I received a lovely text message welcoming me to France and telling me to enjoy my trip. As much as I appreciate Orange’s attempt to make me feel at home, I’m not sure I feel so appreciative of the European prices.*

I’m keeping this short and sweet, because today is my Papa’s 60th Birthday, and I must go and spoil him. Hope everyone is getting over that mid-week hump. I have that lurgy that is going around and my nose feels like it’s going to fall off with blowing it. The Rudolph… not my best look.

*I’m doing a good job of teaching you guys recently, don’t you think? That’s why my students always called me ‘AMY TEEEAAACCCHHHEEEERRR’. Today’s lesson is Geography. Dover is in England. Not France.

Boots: Tesco, Tights: Marks and Spencer, Dress: ModCloth, Scarf: Topshop.

Skulls and Ankles and Things.

Aloha. And how are we today? Recently I have been working bits and bobs in the local libraries, and working on my TEFL course. One year in Korea wasn’t enough for me, y’all. I’ve got the travel bug and I’ve got it bad. Teaching is just such an amazing way to fund that. Before that, there are some things I’ve gotta do.

My ankle surgery will be on the 14th of December and I think I may have to take some time off to figure out how best to take outfit photos on crutches. Any tips? I’ll probably only have a couple of weeks off. I know you’ll miss me, but man oh man, do I have some treats in store for you during my little blogging holiday.

I feel utterly terrible for my ripped off version of the Alexander McQueen skull scarf. Who can afford the real thing though? Ironically, I bought this scarf from a local market when I was going through a goth/emo faze at the tender age of 15. I didn’t really give two hoots about fashion, then. Please forgive me. I have been through a lot of fazes, and I have to say, that one probably wasn’t the worst.

I hope everyone is having a splendid beginning to the week. I am guest blogging today over at the lovely and sweet Mademoiselle Sonushka. I discussed my clashing passions, and what it’s like to travel without my wardrobe. Intense stuff. Go and check it out here.

p.s- I think those thighs of mine will officially be retiring for the winter.

Wedges: I’m not sure, Socks: H&M, Shorts: Forever 21, Belt: Thrifted, T-Shirt: ModCloth.

Cotton Heaven.

Well, I think we’ve seen all of the sites the North West of England has to offer over the past few weeks. It’s quite odd feeling like a tourist in your own area, don’t you think?

Yesterday’s trip was to Quarry Bank, an old textiles mill from the Industrial Revolution. It was absolutely riviting to see how they used to create cotton. Let me tell you, it was a pretty grueling job. Did you ever read Mary Barton, by Elizabeth Gaskell? It was pretty much like that, except they didn’t all get the love of a rich man, and if they lost their sight, they probably weren’t going to miraculously get it back. I have to say, I like to think I’m quite a hard-working and uncomplaining person, but you would never get me working in those conditions. No siree.

You might think I’m a bit of a loser for revelling in all of these fabulous historic sites. You know what I’d say to that? Boo, you. Learn yourself some history. I’d suggest starting with a Drunk History and progressing from there. And if you can tell me that you’re not wearing something cotton, thus disregarding what a crucial part this mill played in history? Well, then I’ll eat my words, yum yum*. Hope everyone is having a good weekend. What was the most interesting thing you last went to see?

p.s- aren’t my shoes annoyingly white? I would invite you all, one-by-one, to come and stand on them and make them look more normal. But I’m not gonna.

*If you are not wearing ANY clothes, please do not contact.  

Shoes and Cardigan: Primark, Tights: Marks & Spencer, Skirt: H&M, Plaid Shirt: Boutique in Korea, Scarf: ModCloth, Handbag: Handmade in Greece.

I Went to Another Place.

Being outshone by a cast-iron naked man, eh? Let me tell you, it sucks.

In this instance I will let it slide though, because it’s not any old man. Oh no no no. It’s Anthony Gormley; an awfully famous and talented fellow. (Yes, I said ‘fellow’…) 100 of his cast iron figures face out to sea on the beach of Crosby in the North West of England. They create a piece of art formally known as ‘Another Place’, and we went for a little jaunt down to see them. (Yes, I said ‘jaunt’)*.

It’s getting a bit chilly here, and I’m not going to lie, my old winter coat won’t fit if I am wearing anything thicker than a t-shirt under it. I took off my extra two cardigans to take these pictures, because I am not sure wearing 7 layers is a good look for me….

* You might have noticed I have aged about 60 years since my last post. I have been going to sleep before 10pm and I think the jargon stems from 11 hours sleep a night.

Boots: Bronx, Tights: Marks and Spencer, Skirt: American Apparel, Knit Jumper: Thrifted, Fingerless Gloves and Hat: H&M, Scarf: A Little Boutique in Korea, Leather Bag: Bought in Greece.

Bonfire Rainforest.

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you’ve all had a splendid week. Did you have a ton of Halloween fun? I fell victim to this flu-ey thing going round and fell asleep at 8pm on Monday night. That’s how I roll. But I’m back to my bouncy self and looking forward to a bit of firework action this weekend.

Do y’all know about bonfire night? Obviously you Brits do, but elsewhere in the world? Basically, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament with Gunpowder on 5th November 1605. He failed. Now every year we set off fireworks to celebrate his failure. And as an excuse to eat too much sweet stuff and coo over the pretty colours, of course.* Maybe you’ve seen V for Vendetta? That should have cleared up the narrative (ahem…)

Tonight we shall spend family time setting off a few fireworks. I know we’re a day early, but tomorrow we’re heading down to Birmingham once again to see my football (soccer) team play. Pretty sure that won’t make the best outfit photos. I am wearing an old ModCloth dress that I purchased when I interned with them a few years ago. I was always convinced that only tall people can pull off the maxi. In fact, I think I still am. What do you think? What are you all doing this weekend? Whatever you do, have fun. x

*I’m pretty sure I’d make an ace history teacher, don’t you think?

Dress: ModCloth, Tee: Target, Wedges: Dorothy Perkins, Necklace: New York Metropoliton Museum of Art, Silver Bracelet: Links of London, Button Bracelet: handmade.